Is the Ford Taurus Really That Good? A Real Owner’s Experience After 1020 KM

Is the Ford Taurus truly worth the hype? After driving over 1020 kilometers, one owner shares an in-depth, real-world review of this full-size sedan—covering everything from performance and comfort to value and drawbacks.

Overall Impression: Strong Value Proposition

While not exactly cheap, the Ford Taurus offers compelling value for money. Its build quality, generous standard features, and practical design make it a satisfying choice for those seeking a dependable and well-appointed vehicle.

Spacious and Powerful

Space is one of the Taurus’s strongest suits. Even at 183 cm tall, I find plenty of headroom and legroom—both in the front and the rear seats. The rear passengers can easily cross their legs, and storage compartments are thoughtfully designed throughout the cabin. The trunk is decent, though not class-leading.

When it comes to power, the Taurus doesn’t disappoint. The 2.0L turbocharged engine delivers 180 kW and 350 Nm of torque—enough to confidently overtake on the highway. While the D-mode offers a smooth and comfortable drive, switching to S-mode brings a thrilling burst of acceleration and strong push-back sensation. Low-speed responsiveness is impressive, especially for a four-cylinder setup.

Handling and Fuel Economy

The Taurus handles well overall—it’s easy to drive, though the front and rear parking sensors can be slightly inaccurate in judging distance. The steering is light and responsive even at higher speeds. Road feedback is direct, and the suspension is firm over bumps. At highway speeds, the car remains planted and stable.

Fuel consumption currently averages around 12 L/100 km after 500 km of driving—a bit on the high side, though this may improve after the break-in period.

Comfort and Refinement

Ride comfort is excellent—comparable to luxury sedans like the Mercedes E-Class and even surpassing the BMW 3-Series in some aspects. The seats are supportive and comfortable even on long drives. Wind and tire noise only become noticeable at speeds above 140–150 km/h. A soft-tuned suspension contributes to a plush ride quality.

Exterior and Interior Design

The Taurus’s exterior is understated yet elegant—it looks every bit the premium full-size sedan. Its proportions are balanced, and the lines are clean and timeless. The automatic headlights are a convenient feature, though the standard halogen units are a letdown. The overall presence is commanding and mature.

The interior is business-like and functional, if not groundbreaking. The dashboard is modern and likely to age well. Most touchpoints are upholstered in leather, giving the cabin a subtle luxury feel. One minor issue is a faint new-car odor, which should fade over time.

Price and Running Costs

The car had a listed price of ¥242,900. After negotiating a ¥12,000 discount, the final pre-tax price came to ¥230,900. With additional costs including tax (¥20,434), insurance (¥5,348), and registration (¥1,200), the total on-road price was ¥257,882.

Annual running costs break down as follows:

• Fuel: ¥7,900
• Insurance: ¥5,348
• Maintenance: ¥1,359
• Parking: ¥720
• Car wash: ¥410
• Tolls: ¥1,630

Total annual cost: ¥17,367. With an annual income of ¥80,000, the Taurus is affordable to maintain.

Final Verdict: Pros and Cons

👍 Pros:

• Strong value for money
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Powerful and responsive engine
• High perceived safety and solid build quality

👎 Cons:

• Halogen headlights are underwhelming—upgrade to LED if possible
• Some fit-and-finish issues (e.g., loose door handles)
• Audible noise from the underbody on rough roads
• Fuel economy could be better

All in all, the Ford Taurus is a compelling package for buyers looking for a comfortable, powerful, and practical sedan without stepping into luxury-brand pricing. It’s not perfect—but it’s very good where it counts.